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Dermatologists' Use of Eye Protection

pubblicato il 22/03/2018 - 16:13

Selezionata da Pietro Cazzola, MD

Don’t play the odds: Wear eye and face protection during dermatologic procedures

Blood and other body fluid pathogen exposure (BBPE) is an important occupational safety issue for dermatologists. In addition to sharps injuries, mucous membrane exposure is important and often overlooked, accounting for more than 35% of documented exposures in two recent studies.1,2

We concur that the likelihood of wearing eye protection is based on perceived risk of splash injury by procedure (cyst excision, Mohs surgery); by location (scalp, face); and, for nurses, by the experience of the person performing the procedure (higher risk for junior residents). The problem of not wearing eye protection is also prevalent in other specialties.3 Although the risk of disease transmission is relatively low via all routes,1,2 there were 58 cases of confirmed (and 150 cases of possible) HIV transmission as of December 31, 2013,4 including at least 2 cases of HIV and hepatitis C transmission via conjunctival exposure.5,6

Our department has made eye protection a priority and the wearing of well-fitting glasses has had a positive impact. We also concur with Pate and Kampp that face protection with a mask or shield is important. Although fogging may be an issue, as identified in their survey responses, more expensive integrated face shield and mask combinations are available.

Attention to BBPE, including wearing eye and face protection and reporting any exposures, could be included in the sign in and sign out procedures, respectively, of your dermatology universal protocol.